Search Database

Profiles of the gifted and talented

This article by George Betts and Maureen Neihart offers a succinct chart that profiles 6 different "types" of gifted individuals. They are successful, challenging, underground, dropouts, double-labeled and autonomous. It includes their feelings, attitudes, behaviors, needs, adults & peers perceptions, identification, home and school support.

AbstractAfter several years of observations, interviews, and reviews of literature, the authors have developed six profiles of gifted and talented children and youth. These profiles help educators and parents to look closely at the feelings, behaviors, and needs of the gifted and talented. Also, tips on identification of each profile are included as well as information on facilitating the gifted and talented in the school and home.

Gifted children are usually discussed as an undifferentiated group. When they are differentiated, it tends to be on the basis of differences in intellectual abilities, talents, or interests rather than from a total or "gestalt" point of view in terms of behavior, feelings, and needs. For example, creatively gifted, intellectually gifted, learning disabled gifted, and artistically gifted are among the different categories that have been reported. The purpose of this article is to describe a theoretical model to profile the gifted and talented that differentiates gifted individuals on the basis of behavior, feelings, and needs. The matrix describes and compares the needs, feelings and behaviors of six different profiles of gifted children. This model serves to increase awareness among educators and parents of differences among gifted children and provides guidelines for identifying gifted children. It can also be used to develop appropriate educational goals for the gifted. These types are offered as a generalization to facilitate the task of identifying and guiding gifted children in all aspects of development. They are not intended to describe anyone child completely.

Personality is the result of life experiences and genetic makeup. All gifted children are not affected by their special abilities in the same way. Gifted children interact with and are influenced by their families, their education, their relationships, and their personal development. Experience with gifted children in a variety of settings has served to increase awareness that the gifted cannot be seen as one group (Strang, 1962).

Little has been done, however, to distinguish among groups of gifted children. Roeper (1982) proposed five types of gifted children based strictly on the approaches gifted children use to cope with their emotions. She identified the perfectionist, the child/adult, the winner of the competition, the self-critic, and the well-integrated child. She focused on the development of coping styles and the ways in which gifted children experience and express feelings.

Few studies focus on a holistic perspective of the gifted child. Most address one aspect of development or an area of achievement or interest. (Colangelo & Parker, 1981; Delisle, J.R., 1982; Gregory & Stevens-Long, 1986; Kaiser, Berndt, & Stanley, 1987; Schwolinski & Reynolds, 1985). The development of the whole child must be addressed, taking into account the interaction of emotional, social, cognitive, and physical factors. It is essential to remember that "A child is a total entity; a combination of many characteristics. Emotions cannot be treated separately from intellectual awareness or physical development; all intertwine and influence each other" (Roeper, 1982, p. 21). Giftedness should not be defined by separate categories; every aspect of personality and development influences and interacts with every other aspect. Giftedness should be examined as a construct that impacts on personality.

Profiles of the Gifted and TalentedThe following presentation of six different profiles of gifted and talented students can provide information for educators and parents about the behavior, feelings, and needs of gifted and talented children and youth. It is important to remember that this is a theoretical concept that can provide insights for facilitating the growth of the gifted and talented, not a diagnostic classification model (see Figure 1).

Putting The Research To UseIt is essential that educators and parents understand the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the gifted and talented. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" provides a framework for a better understanding of these students by looking closely at their feelings, behavior, and needs. Additional information is provided concerning adult and peer perceptions, identification, and home and school interactions. Parents and educators use the profiles to gain a deeper awareness of the gifted and talented. They are also able to use the information for inservice and courses concerning the nature and needs of the gifted and talented. Furthermore, educators can present the information directly to students in order to help them develop more insight into their own needs and behavior. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" is a starting point for those who want to develop a greater awareness and insight into these students. The application of the approach will provide deeper and greater understanding of our gifted and talented.

Additionally, children and youth should not be defined by anyone of the following categories. The behavior, feelings, and needs of gifted and talented children change frequently when they are young, but as years pass there will be fewer abrupt changes and they may settle into one or two profile areas. This approach provides a new understanding of the gifted and talented and new opportunities for developing techniques and strategies for facilitating the cognitive, emotional and social growth of these children.

Type IThe SuccessfulPerhaps as many as 90% of identified gifted students in school programs are Type I's. Children who demonstrate the behavior, feelings, and needs classified as Type I's have learned the system. They have listened closely to their parents and teachers. After discovering what "sells" at home and at school, they begin to display appropriate behavior. They learn well and are able to score high on achievement tests and tests of intelligence. As a result, they are usually identified for placement in programs for the gifted. Rarely do they exhibit behavior problems because they are eager for approval from teachers, parents and other adults.

These are the children many believe will "make it on their own." However, Type I's often become bored with school and learn to use the system in order to get by with as little effort as possible. Rather than pursue their own interests and goals in school, they tend to go through the motions of schooling, seeking structure and direction from instructors. They are dependent upon parents and teachers. They fail to learn needed skills and attitudes for autonomy, but they do achieve. Overall, these children may appear to have positive self-concepts because they have been affirmed for their achievements. They are liked by peers and are included in social groups. They are dependent on the system but are not aware that they have deficiencies because of the reinforcement they receive from adults who are pleased with them and their achievement. However, Goertzel and Goertzel (1962) concluded that the brightest children in the classroom may become competent but unimaginative adults who do not fully develop their gifts and talents. It seems that these children have lost both their creativity and autonomy.

Gifted young adults who may underachieve in college and later adulthood come from this group. They do not possess the necessary skills, concepts, and attitudes necessary for life-long learning. They are well adjusted to society but are not well prepared for the ever-changing challenges of life.

Type IIThe ChallengingType II's are the divergently gifted. Many school systems fail to identify Type II gifted children for programs unless the programs have been in place at least five years and substantial inservicing has been done with teachers. Type II's typically possess a high degree of creativity and may appear to be obstinate, tactless, or sarcastic. They often question authority and may challenge the teacher in front of the class. They do not conform to the system, and they have not learned to use it to their advantage. They receive little recognition and few rewards or honors. Their interactions at school and at home often involve conflict.

These children feel frustrated because the school system has not affirmed their talents and abilities. They are struggling with their self-esteem. They may or may not feel included in the social group. Some Type II's also challenge their peers, and therefore are often not included or welcomed in activities or group projects; on the other hand, some Type II's have a sense of humor and creativity that is very appealing to peers. Nevertheless their spontaneity may be disruptive in the classroom. In spite of their creativity, Type II's often possess negative self-concepts.

Type II's may be "at risk" as eventual dropouts for drug addiction or delinquent behavior if appropriate interventions are not made by junior high. Parents of gifted high school students who drop out of school (Type IV) frequently note that their children exhibited Type II behaviors in upper elementary school or junior high. Although this relationship has not been validated empirically, it carries significant implications that merit serious consideration.

Type III The UndergroundThe Type III gifted child is known as "the underground gifted." Generally, these are middle school females although males may also want to hide their giftedness. If a gifted boy goes underground, it tends to happen later, in high school, and typically in response to the pressure to participate in athletics.

In general, Type III's are gifted girls whose belonging needs rise dramatically in middle school (Kerr, 1985). They begin to deny their talent in order to feel more included with a non-gifted peer group. Students who are highly motivated and intensely interested in academic or creative pursuits may undergo an apparently sudden radical transformation, losing all interest in previous passions. Type III's frequently feel insecure and anxious. Their changing needs are often in conflict with the expectations of teachers and parents. All too often, adults react to them in ways that only increase their resistance and denial. There is a tendency to push these children, to insist that they continue with their educational program no matter how they feel. Type Ill's often seem to benefit from being accepted as they are at the time.

Although Type III's should not be permitted to abandon all projects or advanced classes, alternatives should be explored for meeting their academic needs while they are undergoing this transition. Challenging resistant adolescents may alienate them from those who can help meet their needs and long-term goals.

Type IVThe DropoutsType IV gifted students are angry. They are angry with adults and with themselves because the system has not met their needs for many years and they feel rejected. They may express this anger by acting depressed and withdrawn or by acting out and responding defensively. Frequently, Type IV's have interests that lie outside the realm of the regular school curriculum and they fail to receive support and affirmation for their talent and interest in these unusual areas. School seems irrelevant and perhaps hostile to them. For the most part, Type IV's are high school students, although occasionally there may be an elementary student who attends school sporadically or only on certain days and has in essence "dropped out" emotionally and mentally if not physically.

Type IV students are frequently gifted children who were identified very late, perhaps not until high school. They are bitter and resentful as a result of feeling rejected and neglected. Their self-esteem is very low, and they require a close working relationship with an adult they can trust. Traditional programming is no longer appropriate for Type IV's. Family counseling is strongly recommended, and the Type IV youth should also be given individual counseling. Diagnostic testing is also necessary to identify possible areas for remediation.

Type VThe Double-LabeledType V refers to gifted children who are physically or emotionally handicapped in some way, or who have learning disabilities. The vast majority of gifted programs do not identify these children, nor do they offer differentiated programming that addresses and integrates their special needs. Fortunately, research on the effective identification of these children has been promising, and suggestions do exist for ways to provide programming alternatives (Daniels, 1983; Fox, Brody, & Tobin, 1983; Gunderson, Maesch, & Rees, 1988; Maker, 1977; and Whitmore & Maker, 1985).

Type V students often do not exhibit behaviors that schools look for in the gifted. They may have sloppy handwriting or disruptive behaviors that make it difficult for them to complete work, and they often seem confused about their inability to perform school tasks. They show symptoms of stress; they may feel discouraged, frustrated, rejected, helpless, or isolated.

These children may deny that they are having difficulty by claiming that activities or assignments are "boring" or "stupid." They may use their humor to demean others in order to bolster their own lagging self-esteem. They urgently want to avoid failures and are unhappy about not living up to their own expectations. They may be very skilled at intellectualization as a means of coping with their feelings of inadequacy. They are often impatient and critical and react stubbornly to criticism.

Traditionally, these students are either ignored because they are perceived as average or referred for remedial assistance. School systems tend to focus on their weaknesses and fail to nurture their strengths or talents.

TYPE VI The Autonomous LearnerThe Type VI gifted child is the autonomous learner. Few gifted children demonstrate this style at a very early age although parents may see evidence of the style at home. Like the Type I's, these students have learned to work effectively in the school system. However, unlike the Type I's who strive to do as little as possible, Type VI's have learned to use the system to create new opportunities for themselves. They do not work for the system; they make the system work for them. Type VI's have strong, positive self-concepts because their needs are being met; they are successful, and they receive positive attention and support for their accomplishments as well as for who they are. They are well respected by adults and peers and frequently serve in some leadership capacity within their school or community.

Type VI students are independent and self-directed. They feel secure designing their own educational and personal goals. They accept themselves and are able to take risks. An important aspect of the Type VI is their strong sense of personal power. They realize they can create change in their own lives, and they do not wait for others to facilitate change for them. They are able to express their feelings, goals, and needs freely and appropriately.

ConclusionsThis matrix will be useful in a number of ways. One use is as a tool for inservicing educators about gifted and talented children and youth in general and about the differentiated social and emotional needs of the specified types in particular. The model can also be used as a teaching tool in order to expand students' awareness and understanding of the meaning of giftedness and the impact it has on their learning and relationships."

The model may also serve as a theoretical base for empirical research in the areas of definition, identification, educational planning, counseling, and child development. By looking closely at the behavior and feelings of gifted and talented youth, better educational programming may be developed to meet their diversified needs.

Putting The Research To UseIt is essential that educators and parents understand the cognitive, emotional, and social needs of the gifted and talented. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" provides a framework for a better understanding of these students by looking closely at their feelings, behavior, and needs. Additional information is provided concerning adult and peer perceptions, identification, and home and school interactions. Parents and educators use the profiles to gain a deeper awareness of the gifted and talented. They are also able to use the information for inservice and courses concerning the nature and needs of the gifted and talented. Furthermore, educators can present the information directly to students in order to help them develop more insight into their own needs and behavior. "Profiles of the gifted and talented" is a starting point for those who want to develop a greater awareness and insight into these students. The application of the approach will provide deeper and greater understanding of our gifted and talented.

PROFILES OF THE GIFTED & TALENTEDFigure 1

FEELINGS AND ATTITUDES

BEHAVIORS

NEEDS

ADULTS & PEERS PERCEPTIONS OF TYPE

IDENTIFICATION

HOME SUPPORT

SCHOOL SUPPORT

-Boredom -Dependent-Positive self-concept-Anxious-Guilty about failure-Extrinsic motivation-Responsible for others-Diminish feelings of self and rights to their emotion-Self critical

-Advocate for child at school and in community -Provide opportunities related to passions -Allow friends of all ages -Remove time and space restrictions -Do family projects -Include child in parent's passion

-Allow development of long-term integrated plan of study -Accelerated and enriched curriculum -Remove time and space restrictions -Compacted learning experiences with pretesting -In-depth studies -Mentorships -College & career counseling and opportunities -Dual enrollment or early admission -Waive traditional school policy and regulations

Copyright material from Gifted Child Quarterly, a publication of the National Association for Gifted Children (NAGC) http://www.nagc.org. This material may not be reproduced without permission from NAGC.

This article is provided as a service of the Davidson Institute for Talent Development, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to supporting profoundly gifted young people 18 and under. To learn more about the Davidson Institute’s programs, please visit www.DavidsonGifted.org.

Comments

Educator on 9/20/2016

This is just what my family has lived for 20 years with my nephew, since He was borned, He was describe as TDH, luck of attention along with hyperactive. After many tests They said He was a GT. He is now studying his second course of Math degree at Uni but has a lot of problems adapting himself to social life.

Educator on 7/11/2016

Anytime we try to come up with categories, we oversimplify, but these categories are helpful in considering each student as a true individual.

Educator on 6/28/2016

This is an interesting article. I will apply most of the six different types of profiles in my classroom.

Educator on 6/28/2016

This is a great article! I will use this method in my classroom.

Parent on 12/2/2015

Interesting article. I am a 67 year young grandmother. Considered gifted, acutely observant, I seem to recognize giftedness in young children and people in general and beyond the established profile. My experience tells me that MOST kids/people are gifted in some way. It's unfortunate our school system is not equipped to nurture individual strengths and is more concerned with "order" and "conforming". Since giftedness can show up at different times- is often triggered by an idea, experience or exposure to something which ignites them. It's too easy for kids to get "grouped in" and the need to "mold" children into a manageable group is more the norm. Those kids may inadvertently be discouraged. Boredom or lack of interest can be easily mislabeled. Kids that challenge the status quo can be quickly be marked as a trouble maker- when in reality they may SEE more than most SEE.
We can start with a focus on smaller class sizes in public schools. 25 kids in a class is more like herding cattle. Points, prizes or even stars for "conforming" is award conditioning them to CONFORM rather than to SHINE! Ok- to SHINE within the established perimeters/lines-while History proves- the great innovations happens "outside the lines". Those people with VISION and the courage and conviction to take a stand and or break out of the mold make the difference. See Steve Job's commercial on YouTube "Here's To the Crazy Ones".
How do we provide order for safety and still encouragement kids to think, dream, explore and champion each child strengths at the same time?
I believe smaller class sizes, maybe even joined with another smaller class for certain subjects during the day or week- would be a great start!

Educator on 5/11/2014

Very interesting article. I will try this with all my students.

Parent on 10/11/2013

I greatly benefitted from this article as am headed to an all teacher/student/parent conference for my gifted, disruptive 8th grader next week. The Type 2 frames his behavior and experience very clearly, and helps me understand how to advocate for him. Thank you.

Educator on 6/28/2013

Oustanding article:
I am a middle school, special ed teacher, and long ago know that there is never one description to fit any child. This article has helped me greatly, as I have seen several gen ed students (one that I am pushing for currently), that I thought might be GT, but other teachers (especially one of our GATE teachers with an ideal class) had determined absolutely not. He falls under the Type V category. Even before I had finished the article, I had written down a few of the descriptions and e-mailed them to her, so that maybe she can begin to see what I see in him, rather than just a disruptive student. If I am correct, I only hope we can help this child get the support he needs. Thanks for a GREAT article... I will definitely refer to it when getting to know my students.

Educator on 7/21/2012

Do you think this might work with reg. ed and high achieving students who aren't labeled GT? Makes you seriously think about how to perceive your students in general, not just GT.

Educator on 6/18/2012

I would like to express my thanks for this beloved article, which I found very useful for my search to understand the strange behaviour in my class.

Other on 1/4/2012

Thank you so much for this - this is incredibly validating to me. The Type II describes me perfectly. In spite of a restless, active imagination and intellect, I was never identified as gifted because I did so badly on standardized tests (and was a difficult child in other ways). By high school I was so bitter and frustrated with the whole school system that it's only due to my parents' support and the grace of God (and three years of psychiatric care) that I am not a drug-addicted dropout. Fortunately, I found a college that challenged and fulfilled me intellectually, and I am now much happier, but I am not yet past the bitterness. I am writing this on the chance that someone will read it and realize that there is a group of bright, sensitive, intellectually curious people being let down by the system in truly damaging ways.

Educator on 11/21/2011

This identification profile provides data to help recognize and understand student behavior in the classroom. I now understand some of the challenging behaviors in my classroom.

Educator on 9/26/2011

I gained insight about my own three children after reading the profiles of the GT learner. When my teenager was in high school, it would have been helpful if I knew how to deal with the Challenging, the Underground Learner who just wanted to be accepted. He didn't want to be the great swimmer and the smart one. This is a very good article which should be shared with teachers and parents of children at the middle and high school level.

Parent on 12/27/2010

My children fall into the type two category. After years of advocating, they were finally identified as gifted. My toddler has shown the same gifted signs as her siblings, and is even more gifted than her brothers and sisters. Where are the resources to support type two gifted children? How do you support them enough so that they do not snowball to these high risk categories?

This is an excellent article, which I have found extremely useful. The Type II and Type IV models certainly help explain my best friend, who fits practically all of those characteristics. I would like to add a comment, though: it is definitely possible to be a combination of more than one profile type. I am a Type VI,but have acted more like a Type I for most of my life. Reading this has helped me identify some areas I need to work on. Thank you!

Student on 12/27/2007

This is my story as a Type IV gifted drop-out. Throughout my childhood and adolescence, my parents and teachers always told me how gifted I was. Teachers told me they had never seen a student as brilliant in their entire career. One recommended I go to Oxford when I was 14, another compared me to Albert Einstein. No special programs existed at my elementary school. I received a 100% in every subject on every single report card, yet the administration never suggested I skip a grade. In high school, I entered an accelerated program. I still felt incredibly bored. The only difference with a regular program was the amount of meaningless projects we were given to do. As a perfectionist, the workload was too much for me to handle so in grade 10 I changed school and entered a regular program that was enriched in math and science. I did extremely well for a year. Even though I skipped the last two months of school, I still received near perfect grades on the final tests. Everything fell apart when I returned to school in the fall. In class, I would write long essays about my life and my feelings (I was extremely depressed), until I stopped showing up completely. After my mother dropped me off in front of the school, I would run to the park to read. The school kicked me out when I failed every subject. A year later, I registered in an adult education program that offered long distance courses. I graduated high school in a few months, and started college the next year. I intend pursuing a phd to become a clinical psychologist. I dislike the advice that Type IV students consider a GED. Parents of these adolescents should know that college is still an option. I highly recommend enrolling these students in long distance education if they find attending classes in high school too emotionally painful. They will probably be able to tolerate the college atmosphere.

Student on 9/16/2007

Excellent article on the general scale. I think I'm a Type I and I do in fact have many of those characteristics and needs.

The appearance of any information in the Davidson Institute's Database does not imply an endorsement by, or any affiliation with, the Davidson Institute. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is solely the opinion of and the responsibility of the author. Although reasonable effort is made to present accurate information, the Davidson Institute makes no guarantees of any kind, including as to accuracy or completeness. Use of such information is at the sole risk of the reader.